If you are an NDIS participant, family member, or support coordinator trying to work out how far your funding will go, understanding NDIS physiotherapy rates is one of the most common questions that comes up. This guide breaks down what the current price limits are, what they cover, and how they affect the number of …
If you are an NDIS participant, family member, or support coordinator trying to work out how far your funding will go, understanding NDIS physiotherapy rates is one of the most common questions that comes up. This guide breaks down what the current price limits are, what they cover, and how they affect the number of sessions you can access under your plan.
What Are NDIS Physiotherapy Rates Based On?
NDIS physiotherapy rates are set under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, often referred to as the PAPL. This document is updated by the NDIA each year and sets the maximum amount a registered provider can charge for each type of support, including physiotherapy.
Under the 2025-26 Pricing Arrangements, the price limit for physiotherapy assessment and treatment supports is $183.99 per hour. This is the maximum a provider can charge for plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants. Providers are allowed to charge less than this amount, but not more.
This rate covers the physiotherapist’s direct time with the participant, along with any clinical notes and reporting completed as part of that session. It is a national rate, meaning physiotherapy is now priced consistently across Australia rather than varying by state.
What Does the NDIS Physiotherapy Rate Actually Cover?
The hourly rate is not just for the time the physiotherapist spends with you. It is intended to cover the full scope of a session, including assessment and treatment planning, hands-on therapy aimed at improving movement, strength, and physical function, and clinical documentation completed within that session.
For mobile physiotherapy services, travel time may also be claimed separately, generally at 50 percent of the hourly rate, depending on what is agreed in your service agreement. Non-labour costs such as parking or tolls may also be reimbursed if this has been agreed upfront.
Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed: Does the Rate Always Apply?
If your NDIS plan is self-managed, you have more flexibility. Your physiotherapist does not need to be NDIS registered, and you can negotiate a rate directly with them, provided it represents value for money and responsible use of your funding. This means a self-managed participant could pay more or less than the $183.99 price limit, depending on what they agree with their provider.
For plan-managed and NDIA-managed participants, the price limit is a hard cap. Providers cannot charge above it, regardless of their usual private rates.
How NDIS Physiotherapy Rates Affect Your Plan
Understanding the rate helps you work out how many sessions your funding can realistically support. For example, if your plan allocates a certain amount to Capacity Building supports and physiotherapy is charged at close to the price limit, it is worth calculating how many sessions per month or per year that funding will cover, factoring in any travel costs for mobile services.
This is also where home exercise programs become valuable. Because session frequency is often limited by available funding, a well-designed home program helps participants continue making progress between sessions, getting more value from each appointment.
Why Rates Differ Between Providers
Even though $183.99 is the maximum, not all providers charge the same amount. Some providers charge below the price limit, particularly where they want to make their services more accessible or competitive. Others charge at or close to the limit to reflect the cost of delivering a mobile service, including travel across a wide service area.
When comparing providers, it is worth asking whether the quoted rate includes travel, and whether it is inclusive of all costs or whether additional fees might apply. A transparent, all-inclusive rate makes it easier to budget accurately against your plan.
Where to Check the Current Rates
NDIS pricing is reviewed annually, with updates typically taking effect from 1 July each year. The most current and accurate figures are always available directly from the NDIS website under Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. If you are unsure how a rate applies to your specific plan or circumstances, your support coordinator or plan manager can help clarify this.
Get in Touch
If you have questions about how NDIS physiotherapy rates apply to your plan, or you would like to discuss a referral, contact Bayside Mobile Physio on 0468 079 075 or [email protected].
